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Repurposing Feed Mechanisms in Unanticipated Locations

Chris Cecil encountered an issue with his Manncorp/Autotronik MC384V2 pick and place device. He required additional feeders, but the company refused to assist with an older model, instead demanding a hefty sum of over $32,000 for the supplies.

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Chris Cecil encountered an issue with his MC384V2 pick and place machine, a product of...
Chris Cecil encountered an issue with his MC384V2 pick and place machine, a product of Manncorp/Autotronik. He required additional feeders for operation, but the company showed resistance in providing support for an older model. In order to get the feeders, Chris was quoted a hefty sum of around $32,000 by the company.

Repurposing Feed Mechanisms in Unanticipated Locations

Revamped Guide:

DIY Innovation: Integrating Siemens Feeders with an Older Manncorp Machine

[Chris Cecil] got himself in a pickle. He had a vintage [Manncorp/Autotronik MC384V2 pick and place] and was on the hunt for more feeders. The manufacturer seemed pretty ambivalent about supporting the machine, quoting a staggering $32,000 to provide additional feeders. As another project hoofed into his sights, [Chris] surmised, could he make Siemens feeders dance with his old-timer?

This is one of those "giants on our shoulders" situations, where [Chris] hit a goldmine with the work of [Bilsef] and the OpenPNP project. He stumbled upon SchultzController, which, guess what, could work wonders with Siemens Siplace feeders. While they weren't designed for the MC384V2, [Chris] saw potential in them, shaping them into an odd marriage of sorts. Here's the lowdown on how he got the old Manncorp machine together with Smoothieboard, SchultzController, and all the software trickery that sealed the deal.

For a cool $2,500, [Chris] has unlocked a wealth of possibilities for his pick and place machine, churning out more Smoothieboards than ever before, with less manual labor.

While we often highlight DIY and home-brew production methods, it's interesting to peek into more serious production methods too. Collars turned, we're keeping a close eye on this topic. Check out the video below for the details.

[Disclaimer: Siemens is the parent company of Supplyframe, our website's parent company, but this doesn't factor into this story in any way.]

The Nuts and Bolts:

Integrating Siemens feeders with your MC384V2 pick and place machine is a promising DIY project. Here's a roadmap to guide you through the process:

Step 1: Verify Compatibility

  1. Feeder Check: Ensure Siemens feeders are compatible with the MC384V2. Match the specifications to confirm physical and electronic interfacing.
  2. Control System Match: Affirm that both control systems support each other's communication protocols (RS232, Ethernet, etc.).

Step 2: Mount, Cable, and Integrate

  1. Physical Mounting: Check that the Siemens feeders can fit the MC384V2. Custom mounting may be necessary—consult professionals or the manufacturer if needed.
  2. Cable Management: Tidy up cables from feeders to the control system, eliminating interference and guaranteeing seamless connections.

Step 3: Software Setup

  1. Software Check: Ensure the MC384V2 software is compatible with Siemens feeders. Updates or modifications may be required.
  2. Software Configuration: Use the MC384V2's software interface to configure Siemens feeders based on their types, sizes, and locations.

Step 4: Test and Calibrate

  1. Feeder Functionality Test: Run tests to ensure all feeders work smoothly and correctly.
  2. Calibration: Perform calibration runs to fine-tune feeder positioning and eliminate any errors.

Additional Considerations

  • Documentation:reference both Siemens and Manncorp/Autotronik documentation for detailed setup instructions and troubleshooting guides.
  • Technical Support: If you come across any problems during integration, get in touch with the technical support for both the feeders and the pick and place machine for assistance.

With these steps, you're one step closer to successfully integrating Siemens feeders into your MC384V2 machine, breathing new life into your pick and place operations. Happy tinkering!

  • The integration of Siemens feeders with the Manncorp machine might seem like a challenging task due to hardware and software differences, but with the right guidance and some technical know-how, it can be achievable.
  • The manufacturing industry can present unexpected costs when dealing with obsolete machinery, as Chris Cecil learned when he was quoted an astronomical amount for new feeders. However, by hacking the system with Siemens feeders and using open-source software like SchultzController, the costs can be significantly reduced.
  • As the technology landscape evolves, DIY enthusiasts in the finance and business sectors can benefit from exploring innovative solutions in the hardware and technology industries. The integration of Siemens feeders with an older pick and place machine is just one example of the opportunities available for those who are willing to think outside the box.

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